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Rugged Adventure Awaits on the Rim Rock Recreation Trail
The Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois is one of our top areas to explore. There are endless hiking options for all abilities. One of our favorite hikes with kids in Shawnee is the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. This moderate hike offers a rugged, yet kid friendly adventure with scenic views and stunning sandstone formations. Rim Rock Hiking Trail Distance: 0.8 mile round trip for upper trail. 0.7 mile one one on lower trail. Difficulty: 2/5 for upper trail which…
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Explore a Prehistoric Settlement at Millstone Bluff
Millstone Bluff is a historic gem tucked within the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois. This archaeological site is not very well known, but worth a visit to view the remains of a prehistoric Native American village. A short and easy trail circles that site and is suitable for the whole family. History of Millstone Bluff The topography of Millstone Bluff rises 320 feet above the valley below. At the top of this mesa-like bluff, the Mississippian peoples constructed a…
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Take a Hike at Young Conservation Area
Young Conservation Area is another one of several great conservation areas in the Eureka, Missouri area. This conservation area is part of the LaBarque Creek watershed filled with diverse species of aquatic and plant life. The park contains two hiking trail loops plus creeks and a pond. Hiking Trails Young Conservation Area contains two hiking trail loops. The 3 mile Taconic Loop Trail winds along LaBarque Creek past seasonal wildflowers and through a pine tree grove. The 3.5 mile LaBarque…
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Find a Unique Waterfall at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
The rugged canyons and clear creeks of Missouri’s LaBarque Creek Watershed offer many options for recreation. Don Robinson State Park is perhaps the most popular place for hiking in this area. However, if you want to escape the state park crowds and explore unique features, check out the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. This LaBarque Creek Conservation Area consists of one hiking trail. The path has a small out-and-back portion followed by a loop. LaBarque Creek Trail Distance: 3 miles round…
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Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon Trails at Camp Ondessonk
One of my adventure bucket list items had been to visit the tallest free-flowing waterfall in the state of Illinois. We managed to check off that item recently by hiking to Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon, both located on the Camp Ondessonk property. Camp Ondessonk is the site of a Catholic summer camp in far southern Illinois. When summer camp is not in session, this private property is open to the public for hiking with permission. There are 25 miles…
